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More Non-Native Fishes Found in Florida

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 01/12/2011 - 14:01
Three non-native fish species — a panther grouper, spotted scat and yellow tang —have been spotted in Florida waters again this past year after not being seen for as many as 19 years.
Humpback Grouper or Panther Grouper (Chromileptes altivelis)
Credit:   Adrian Pingstone - image released to the public domain.
The Humpback Grouper or Panther Grouper (Chromileptes altivelis), in Australia more commonly known as the Barramundi Cod, is a species of fish in the Serranidae family.
USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) Newsroom  |  Three Non-Native Fishes Found in Florida - Again    |   12-02-2011
The three species are among dozens of non-native marine fishes found on a "watch list" of species thought to pose a risk of invading Florida's coasts. Like one of Florida's notorious invasive species, the lionfish, all three species are native to the Indo-Pacific region.
“

These fishes constitute a type of biological pollution. They don't belong here, and have the potential to damage the ecosystem

”
—Pam Schofield, USGS biologist

The fishes, verified by the U.S. Geological Survey, were found off West Palm, Stuart and Pompano Beach. The panther grouper was last seen in 2007, the yellow tang in 2005 and the spotted scat in 1992.

Fauna pollution
Many non-native species come and go without causing damage. But a few like the lionfish, which is multiplying around South Florida’s coral reefs and gobbling up fish, establish themselves securely and begin crowding out native species.

No one knows for sure how these species found their way into Florida waters, and Schofield says more research in this area is needed. It is unlikely the fish traveled to the area without human assistance or in ship ballast water, as some species do.

Pet amnesty days
They may be released pets. Growing concern over pet releases has prompted the State of Florida to sponsor a series of pet amnesty days, where individuals can turn in their unwanted pets to qualified adopters without penalties or fees.

Primary source â–ş Three Non-Native Fishes Found in Florida - Again
Further reading â–ş Florida's watch list of non-native marine fishes
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